What Are Dental Veneers and How to Take Care of Them?

Dental veneers are thin shells cosmetic dentist in Wynnewood, PA uses to restore cracked, stained, and chipped teeth. They are very popular since they are durable and closely resemble natural teeth. We can use them for various types of cosmetic restorations, whether it’s to alter the shape, color, size, or length of a tooth to make it more attractive. However, just like natural teeth, you’ll need to practice good aftercare to ensure your veneers stay healthy and beautiful for a long period. Here is how to maintain your porcelain veneers:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Dental hygiene is crucial for strong and healthy teeth, gums, and veneers. Cleaning dental veneers are simple, even for those with dental veneers. Just apply your toothpaste and brush your teeth as you would regularly with your natural teeth. Although porcelain veneers are insusceptible to decay, they don’t cover the whole tooth; thus, bacteria can still enter the tooth and cause decay.

Use a Soft Bristled Tooth Brush and Good Toothpaste

There are different types of toothbrushes. Some people believe that hard-bristled toothbrushes are more effective than soft-bristled ones at removing food particles and bacteria. However, toothbrushes with stiff bristles can scrap off veneer polish leaving them looking dull and less aesthetically pleasing. To keep off bacteria and plaque, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and brush in a circular motion for 2 or more minutes.

You also need to check the toothpaste you buy for abrasive materials. For example, toothpaste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can be too abrasive and damage your veneers. We strongly recommend talking to your dentist regarding the best veneers teeth cleaning products to use after getting dental veneers in Wynnewood, PA.

Go for Regular Dental Checkups

Dental checkups can help keep your veneers healthy while protecting you from dental problems. Nowadays, most dental clinics offer complementary services like dental cleaning once the checkup is complete. This can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and infection. The dentist will also check your veneers for signs of wear or damage and recommend the best course of action if there is a problem.

Watch Your Diet

What you eat not only impacts your body’s health, but also that of your veneers and teeth. Even though porcelain veneers are strong, they can crack or chip if used to chew on hard food or objects. So to protect your veneers from a lot of chewing pressure, don’t use them for eating hard food or chewing on unnecessary things like fingernails, pencils, and pens.

You should also limit your consumption of acidic and colored food or beverages. Soft drinks, red wine, tea, and coffee are examples of drinks that can cause staining and should be avoided. If you can’t cut them off from your diet, limit your intake and ensure they rarely come in contact with your veneers. An excellent way to start is to use a straw when drinking soda instead of drinking directly from the bottle or cap.

Avoid Clenching and Grinding Your Teeth

Clenching and grinding your teeth is bad for your veneers and natural teeth as it can cause them to wear fast. Unfortunately for some, the issue is not easy to stop as it can be related to other unresolved issues. For example, some patients clench and grind their teeth when stressed or anxious. Wearing a mouth guard at night can help reduce the effects of bruxism on your veneers so they can last for an extended period.

Quit Smoking

You probably are aware of the health implications of smoking regularly. However, only a few are aware that it causes dental problems too. Smoking releases many harmful chemicals, some of which can cause staining of natural teeth and veneers. In addition, the chemicals slow down the healing of oral wounds post-surgery. So to keep your veneers white and attractive, you should consider quitting smoking. You can opt for nicotine patches, gums, or nicotine replacement therapy to help you stop the habit.

Conclusion

Dental veneers in Wynnewood, PA are an excellent way of improving the appearance of your smile. Apart from the cosmetic benefits it provides, the device can also boost your confidence, allowing you to smile and interact with more people without feeling self-conscious. Follow the tips we provided to learn how to maintain your dental veneers. If you plan to get dental veneers, visit Wynnewood Dental arts to improve your smile. We have the best veneers guaranteed to give you an attractive, natural-looking smile.